Manufacturing Engineer Review

Plenty of great opportunities, there is always a project that needs working on! If you would like to have a week learning about another area of the business they are more than happy to accommodate this. You are given more trust than you can ever imagine as you are not just a 'student', you are an employee.

The workload provided to me was challenging and engaging. Every job was always different and the longer you work here the more you know who to know who to go to for specific questions. Everyone is grateful for your contributions as team work is key in an environment / industry like this.

If you are not sure on something, ask! Everyone was more than happy to help and guide you in the right direction. Managers and supervisors would much rather you ask them, and do it right first time (or second) compared to sitting there twiddling your thumbs waiting for the day to pass. Just get stuck in.

The job role can be as busy, which is good. I never felt overwhelmed with the amount of work which was given to me. Even if you are given too many jobs, just break them down, most of the time it is understood that some jobs are more important than others, so timescale can change depending on how important the job is. If you are not busy, ask, there is always something to do!

Although you are only on placement for a year, once you have been working a few months and have a better understanding of the business you have the same level of responsibility as most staff (assuming same job position). Always keep your manager in the loop and let them know what you're up to, such as in weekly meetings. Responsibility levels include showing visitors around, representing the company on a professional level, and even designing tools to be used on the production line!

Taking a placement year is something which I would advise everyone to do. I don't want to have to go back to do my final year of university i enjoy it so much. The skills I have developed, such as confidence, technical ability, time management and independence will help me in my future career, hopefully back here!

The general atmosphere is very relaxed. Everyone is easy going, and providing you are performing to your expected level, no one will complain if you're having a chat whilst working. Even going out onto the shop floor speaking to the operators, who once you get to know, because just as much of a friend as those in the office do, if not more!

Of course settling in always feels a bit unorganised, however after just rolling with it I settled in in no time. All I can say is that I am glad I got out there, spoke to my team, and asked if there was something which I was unsure of. There is plenty of further opportunities, such as training and inductions made available to you by Cummins throughout your placement.

I would say highly! Within the first few weeks we were sent away for an induction day, to learn about the Cummins ethos, and how the Daventry plant operates. I was also encouraged to go on engine appreciation, which is where you follow an engine through production, from a bare block to the completed product over a few days! Furthermore I was also given 4 days of training on my professional development, which proved invaluable towards the rest of my time here at Cummins.

I cannot wait to apply for a graduate job here. It is always spoke about whilst you are on placement "oh we would love to have you back here" or "will we see you after your degree?", and I do hope this is the case. I would be happy working for this company after I finish my degree!

Students are encouraged to all socialise together, and we all met up at a local venue before we started, this is something that was organised by Cummins as an ice breaker prior to all coming in and starting work, so at least this way we all knew each other a little bit before starting officially.

I lived at home, so cheaper than renting. Socialising costs as much as you want it to!

Leamington Spa and Northampton are not far away, however if some placement students are renting near by then parties were occasionally arranged.

Cummins do EEEC (every employee every community), where you volunteer during work time to get involved in the local community and help out those who need it. There was also social events such as go karting, or days out which were organised by the union to socialise with work staff outside of the office!